INTERNATIONAL

U.S. Forces Capture Maduro; Photo Shows Custody Aboard Ship

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Center 83%

Right 17%

Sources: 6

60-Second Summary

Washington — U.S. forces conducted strikes in Venezuela early Saturday and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, according to President Donald Trump and multiple news reports. Trump posted a photo on Truth Social showing Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima and said the administration planned the operation days earlier but delayed for weather. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life and Venezuelan authorities reported blackouts in Caracas during the strikes. Trump announced U.S. intentions to run Venezuela temporarily and allow U.S. oil companies access. U.S. officials provided limited details. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

About this summary

This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 5 original reports from Spectrum News Bay News 9, LatestLY, Pakistan Today, Asian News International (ANI) and WCBD 2 - Charleston.

Timeline of Events

March 2020: Maduro indicted in the Southern District of New York on narco-terrorism charges.
Late December 2025–early January 2026: U.S. officials planned a military operation targeting Maduro; weather delayed execution.
Early January 3, 2026: U.S. forces carried out strikes in Venezuela; Caracas experienced reported blackouts.
January 3, 2026: President Trump announced the capture and posted a photo of Maduro aboard USS Iwo Jima.
January 3–4, 2026: Venezuelan VP Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life; U.S. officials and state politicians commented publicly.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 5

Who Benefited

The Trump administration obtained operational control over Maduro's detention and publicly signaled intentions to permit U.S. oil companies access to Venezuelan energy assets, potentially increasing U.S. political and economic leverage as stated by administration officials.

Who Impacted

Venezuelan civilians, governmental institutions, and infrastructure experienced immediate disruption, including reported blackouts in Caracas, and the capture generated political uncertainty and humanitarian concerns within Venezuela.

Expert Opinion

After reading and researching latest news.... U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro according to administration statements; a presidential photo placed Maduro aboard USS Iwo Jima. Reports cite Caracas blackouts and Vice President Delcy Rodríguez's demand for proof of life. Legal, diplomatic, and humanitarian processes must proceed under international law.

Media Bias